Well, here we are at the start of another NCIS Verse Season. With no stupid unions deciding to walk out and screw everyone over, this is actually a ‘normal’ Season.
Earlier this year, I had hoped that when the Verse finally returned, that I would get answers to what happened with Hetty. Heck, NCIS Hawaii even brought in Sam Hanna! (obvious ratings stunt).
But that never happened, and Hawaii was (thankfully!) canceled due to costs and lack of schedule room, and I am now back at Square 1.
But I’m not worried. Not only is NCIS back to 20+ episodes this Season, but there are 3 more NCIS shows that can fulfill my desire:
— The 1st ever prequel ‘NCIS Origins’. Yeah, this is about Gibbs’s past, but the producers have said a couple of times now that they are very open to bringing in more young versions of other team members, and Hetty is included! (even TV Line believes it will happen!).
— The new and wildly anticipated ‘NCIS Tony and Ziva’. The most famous love story in the Verse is finally getting it’s continuance after 10 years! It’s currently filming in Budapest and other countries till mid December and will hit Paramount Plus next year.
Whether it will have any one from either the mothership show or LA remains to be seen, but several actors from NCIS have expressed interest in interviews and on the Rewatch podcast ‘Off Duty’ in cameos, plus 2 LA actors were podcast guests early on, and the show’s first showrunner was on the podcast last week!
So, never say never.
— The 2nd Season of NCIS Sydney. Filming concluded last week, and will hit Paramount Plus Australia and CBS next year.
It’s highly unlikely there will be cameos from other shows (I didn’t hear of any of the cast members being Australia before filming on NCIS started, plus the 1st Season ended on a giant cliffhanger and I have 0 clue on where it’s timeline stands with the OG show!).
However, that doesn’t mean there can’t be sly mentions of certain team members!
—
There’s plenty of chances for Hetty to be mentioned or show up.
The physical return of the most legendary female leader in the Verse’s history after a 3 year hiatus would be MASSIVE, plus it no doubt would be a huge ratings grab for CBS. IMO, it would be in their best interest to make that happen this Season.
So, here’s to another great year to the ever growing and thriving NCIS Verse, let’s wait and see if Hetty will finally be brought out of limbo!
The NCIS spinoff focused on Cote de Pablo and Michael Weatherly’s characters is filling out its core cast.
The Paramount+ series, titled NCIS: Tony and Ziva, has added eight actors as series regulars. The show, with Weatherly and de Pablo reprising their roles as Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David, has also begun production in Budapest.
Joining de Pablo and Weatherly — who reprise their roles from CBS’ NCIS flagship — are Isla Gie, Amita Suman, Maximilian Osinski, Nassima Benchicou, Julian Ovenden, Terence Maynard, Lara Rossi and James D’Arcy. Paramount+ gave a series order to the show in February; Tony and Ziva is one of two new NCIS-verse series in the offing, along with a prequel titled NCIS: Origins that will debut on CBS in the fall.
Tony and Ziva will pick up several years after the two characters reunited in the flagship show’s storyline, raising their daughter, Tali (played by Gie, The Outlaws), in Paris, where Tony heads a security company. When the company is attacked, “they must go on the run across Europe, try to figure out who is after them and maybe even learn to trust each other again so they can finally have their unconventional happily ever after,” according to the show’s logline.
Suman (Shadow and Bone) will play Claudette, the extremely proficient chief technical officer at Tony’s company. Osinski (Ted Lasso, Agents of SHIELD) plays Boris, a Russian expat and one of the best and most elusive hackers in the world. Benchicou will play Martine, an elegant and crafty former French intelligence agent.
Ovenden (Bridgerton) will play Jonah, a former NSA programmer who’s now the secretary general of Interpol. Maynard (The Witcher, Coronation Street) plays Dr. Lang, an experience therapist. Rossi (The Watch) plays Sophie, Tali’s caretaker who has a background in the British Special Air Service. D’Arcy (Oppenheimer, Agent Carter) will play Henry, a high-ranking Interpol official.
CBS Studios produces Tony and Ziva. John McNamara (The Magicians) is the showrunner and executive produces with Weatherly, de Pablo, Laurie Lieser, Christina Strain, Shelley Meals and Mairzee Almas.
8tbsp.(1 stick) salted butter, melted and cooled slightly
1/2c.vegetable oil
2tbsp.lemon zest plus 1/3 c. fresh lemon juice (from 2 to 3 lemons)
3large eggs, at room temperature
3/4c.buttermilk, at room temperature
2tsp.vanilla extract
FOR THE JAM FILLING:
1tbsp.cornstarch
3/4c.seedless raspberry jam
FOR THE RASPBERRY FROSTING:
1c.(2 sticks) salted butter, at room temperature
1/3c.seedless raspberry jam
1tbsp.fresh lemon juice
1tsp.vanilla extract
5c.powdered sugar
1(6-oz.) container raspberries (optional)
Directions:
For the cake: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray 2 (8-inch) round cake pans with baking spray with flour. (Alternatively, butter and flour the pans.) Line the bottoms of the pans with parchment paper and spray (or butter) again.
2In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, melted butter, vegetable oil, and lemon zest until combined. Whisk in the eggs, one at a time, until lightened in color, about 1 minute. Whisk in the buttermilk, lemon juice, and vanilla. Add the flour mixture in 3 parts, whisking to combine after each addition.
4Evenly divide the batter between the prepared pans. Tap the pans a few times on a kitchen towel on your countertop to level the surface and remove air bubbles.
5Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with only a few crumbs, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack. Let cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a cooling rack to cool completely, about 1 1/2 hours.
6For the jam filling: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water. In a small saucepan, heat the jam over medium heat until pourable and smooth, about 1 minute. Remove the jam from the heat and whisk in the cornstarch mixture. Return the saucepan to medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Boil, stirring constantly, until no longer cloudy with cornstarch and a rubber spatula dragged through the mixture reveals the bottom of the pan for a few seconds before the jam flows back together, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the thickened mixture to a bowl and let it cool completely.
7For the frosting: To the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the butter. Beat on medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Scrape down the bottom and sides of the bowl. Add the jam, lemon juice, and vanilla, and beat on low speed until just combined, 30 seconds. The mixture might appear broken but that is okay. Increase the speed to medium and beat until the butter and jam are no longer separated, 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar, and beat on low speed until combined. Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl. Increase the speed to medium and beat until smooth and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes.
8Place 1 cake layer on a cake plate. Spread about ½ cup of frosting over the top; this will be a barrier to prevent the cake from absorbing the jam filling. Spoon about ½ cup of the frosting into a zip-top bag and cut a ¾-inch opening in one corner. Alternatively, use a pastry bag fitted with a ¾-inch tip. Pipe a thick border around the edge of the frosted cake layer; this will prevent the jam filling from leaking out the sides of the cake.
9Stir the jam filling to loosen it up. Spread the filling on top of the cake within the frosting border, leaving about ½ inch of space between the filling and the border. Top with the second cake layer.
10Spread about 1 cup of frosting in a thin layer over the top and sides of the cake. Chill the cake, uncovered, in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or in the freezer for 10 minutes to set the frosting and the filling. Use the remaining frosting to frost the top and sides of the cake.
11Decorate the cake with the raspberries or serve on the side, if you like.
A fan favorite, McCallum was the last remaining original cast member on NCIS, in which he played an eccentric but highly efficient investigator Donald “Ducky Mallard” for two decades.
As heavily teased in the promos, the episode dubbed “The Stories We Leave Behind” opened with Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen, who co-wrote the episode) arriving at Ducky’s house to find his mentor — dressed in his monogrammed jammies — dead in his bed, with his sweet corgi looking forlorn in the foyer.
“Dying quietly in your sleep isn’t the worst way to go,” comments Timothy McGee (Sean Murray) back at the NCIS offices, after wrapping up a call with Scottish parliament who apparently wanted to send “a mountain of thistles” to honor their native son’s passing.
“He lived a very long, very rewarding life, which he would want us to celebrate more than anything,” added Director Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll).
So that’s exactly what the episode did — show old scenes from past seasons to remember the character who once said “we all die twice; when our bodies give out, and again when are stories stop being told.”
There was a flashback featuring Leroy Gibbs (Mark Harmon) with Tony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly) and Ziva David (Cote de Pablo). Then came a scene with Ducky and Abby Sciuto (Pauley Perrette), followed by one with Ducky and Gibbs talking about how the latter never really shared personal stories at work.
But first, there had to be a case du jour: the last thing Ducky was working on involved a dead soldier named Danny whose name was getting smeared by an ambitious councilman named Allan Berger (um, not to be confused with, we guess, veteran talent agent Alan Berger). The official word was that Danny died in an Afghan brothel, his body riddled with heroin — but his daughter, Serena, suspected otherwise.
So did Ducky. The team does some digging and it turns out Danny was a former bodyguard for Berger, who previously worked as a contractor in Afghanistan and took money on the side from a local heroin operation. Once Danny threatened to expose the shenanigans, Berger had Danny killed.
Brian Dietzen as Jimmy Palmer. Michael Yarish/CBS
With the case in the bag and Danny’s good name restored, the team could then move on to Ducky’s memorial. But first, a surprise was in store for Palmer, who was prepping to deliver a eulogy. In walks DiNozzo, who brought Palmer a special gift — a bowtie similar to what his mentor used to wear in the lab.
“He had a good friend in you,” DiNozzo tells Palmer. The two then head to the memorial, after Palmer turns the light off in Ducky’s former workspace.
Weatherly hasn’t appeared on CBS since his drama Bull ended in 2022. He left NCIS in 2016.
The episode ended with a title card that read, “In memory of our dear friend and colleague David McCallum. We will miss you.”
As the NCIS franchise gets ready to film its 1,000th overall episode (!), the future for the long-running mothership looks as rosy as ever.
Ahead of NCIS‘ Season 21 premiere (on Monday, Feb. 12), CBS entertainment chief Amy Reisenbach told our sister site Deadline, “I don’t see it slowing down anytime soon.
“It’s a fantastic cast with a fantastic writing staff that’s been there a really long time,” the exec noted. “So, as long as they want to keep it going, we’re thrilled to be on the NCIS train…. [W]e hope to continue on for quite a while.”
NCIS last TV season averaged 9.9 million total viewers (with Live+7 playback), making it not only TV’s most-watched drama, but marking the largest audience for any 2022-23 entertainment program.
CBS’ Reisenbach also promised news to come “soon” for the NCIS: Sydney fans wondering if the Australia-set offshoot, which recently aired its season finale, will get a Season 2.
Season-to-date, NCIS: Sydney has been averaging 6.6 million viewers and a 0.43 demo rating (with Live+7 playback). It stands as CBS’ most-watched entertainment program of this strange, strikes-delayed TV season, and only trails the Eye Network’s own 60 Minutes in total audience.
NCIS: Sydney also emerged as the most-watched freshman show on any network this fall.
“We’re thrilled with how NCIS: Sydney did,” Reisenbach said. “It’s not just a win for CBS but it’s really a win for all of Paramount, for Paramount+, for Paramount International….
“I feel really positive, and there will be news to come soon,” she added.
Though Reisenbach was not asked (nor volunteered anything) about NCIS: Hawai’i (which opens its third season on Feb. 12), she did share some insight on the recently greenlit NCIS: Origins, a prequel series that will follow a yet-to-be-cast, circa-1991 Leroy Jethro Gibbs (with original portrayer Mark Harmon narrating).
“NCIS: Origins is really different than any of the other NCISes,” the exec offered. “It’s a little edgier and grittier [and] it’s got a serialized element of it that we’re really excited about.”
EXCLUSIVE: Gibbs is returning to the NCIS universe as the lead of a new CBS drama, which serves as a prequel to the long-running procedural. The network has given a straight-to-series order to NCIS: Origins, about young Leroy Jethro Gibbs, for the 2024-25 broadcast season. The project comes from the two actors who have portrayed Gibbs on NCIS, Mark Harmon and his son Sean Harmon, veteran NCIS writers-producers, Gina Lucita Monreal and David J. North, as well as CBS Studios, which is behind the NCIS franchise.
Narrated by Mark Harmon, NCIS: Origins begins in 1991, years prior to the events of NCIS. In the new series, Gibbs starts his career as a newly minted special agent at the fledgling NCIS Camp Pendleton office where he forges his place on a gritty, ragtag team led by NCIS legend Mike Franks. (On the mothership series, Franks has been a recurring character played by Muse Watson. Franks was fatally stabbed in Season 8 but continued to appear to Gibbs when he needed a sounding board on hard cases.)
The idea of exploring Gibbs’ early years originated with Sean Harmon, who recurred on NCIS, playing the younger version of Mark Harmon’s character in seven episodes from 2008-2020. Along with his father, who starred as Gibbs on NCIS for more than 18 seasons, Harmon approached Monreal, North and CBS Studios about expanding the NCIS universe with a Gibbs-centered offshoot.
Sean Harmon is focusing on executive producing duties for the new series alongside Mark Harmon, who continues to executive produce the flagship NCIS, as well as Monreal and North, who are co-writing the premiere episode and will serve as co-showrunners. North also will continue his duties as executive producer and co-showrunner (with Steven D Binder) on the mothership. Search will be launched for an actor to play the lead in the spinoff.
Sean Harmon in ‘NCIS’CBS
“The character of Gibbs has been an important part of my life for 20 years, both in watching my father craft the role and previously having the honor to play young Gibbs myself,” Sean Harmon said. “I always felt there was a tale worth telling about his earlier years, so I am thrilled to be stepping into a producing role alongside Gina, David and my dad as we tell this story and reveal a new side of this beloved character.”
Monreal and North, who said they are “thrilled to be bringing this new chapter to life along with Mark and Sean Harmon,” teased more revelations in the new series.
“This really is the making of Leroy Jethro Gibbs,” the duo said. “And even the most dedicated NCIS fans will discover that they don’t know the whole story.”
NCIS: Origins is taking a route that proved successful for another flagship CBS series, comedy The Big Bang Theory, which spawned a successful prequel, Young Sheldon, about the early years of one of the lead characters.
“We are elated and honored to continue the expansion of the NCIS universe in such a unique and unexpected way,” said Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment. “Viewers can look forward to Mark Harmon returning to CBS to narrate the complex and mysterious backstory of Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ early years in NCIS: Origins, which will build on the rich legacy of this character while reintroducing fan-favorite characters and meeting new ones.”
This is CBS’ fourth new scripted series for the 2024-35 season, joining dramas Matlock and Watson and comedy Poppa’s House.
NCIS is one of CBS Studios’ most valuable franchises. Twenty one seasons in — currently ranking as the third-longest-running U.S. primetime drama — the mothership series remains the most watched non-sports program on broadcast. A big global seller, which once ranked as the most watched drama in the world, the venerable procedural has spawned three spinoffs in the U.S., NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans as well as NCIS: Hawai’i, which is headed to its 3rd season. The franchise recently went international with its first non-American offshoot, NCIS: Sydney, which also has done very well in the U.S. Used by CBS on its strike-impacted fall schedule, it has ranked as the most watched new series of the 2023-24 season to date.
According to Nielsen and internal data, during the 2022-2023 TV season, the NCIS franchise had over 300 million viewers around the world across all platforms including broadcast, cable, streaming and syndication.
“There’s no denying the cultural and global phenomenon of the NCIS franchise for the last 20 years,” said David Stapf, president of CBS Studios. “When Sean and Mark approached us all with this exciting expansion of the universe – exploring a young Gibbs – we knew it was the next story that needed to be told. We also couldn’t be luckier to have Gina and David at the helm as co-showrunners who are not only brilliant and adept writers but know this character and universe so well.”
NCIS: Origins reunites North and Monreal, who both wrote on NCIS for 10 years. Monreal, who left the CBS series a couple of years ago, has recently worked on Netflix’s Griselda, Star Wars: The Bad Batch and the upcoming Dan Fogleman/Sterling K. Brown project for Hulu.
Casting on the spinoff is being handled by NCIS casting directors, Jason Kennedy, Krysti Baxter, and Meredith Goble.
Mark Harmon is repped by Gersh and attorney Barry Axelrod. Sean Harmon is repped by 3Arts Entertainment, Gersh and Genow Goodman. Monreal is repped by CAA, Mosaic, and Felker Toczek Suddleson Abramson McGinnis Ryan. North is repped by Dan Halsted Manage-Ment.
Rosemary sprigs and pomegranate seeds, for garnish
Directions:
To make the cake: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter a 12-by-17-inch rimmed baking sheet. Line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on all sides. Butter the parchment.
In a large bowl, beat the egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until frothy. Add 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar and beat on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form, about 2 minutes.
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. In a separate large bowl, combine the egg yolks, the remaining 1/2 cup sugar, and the vanilla. Beat on high speed until thick and creamy, 3 to 4 minutes. Beat in the melted butter and coffee until combined.
Add the flour mixture to the yolk mixture and beat on low speed until well combined. Fold a spoonful of the beaten egg whites into the batter until no streaks remain. Gently fold in the remaining egg whites until combined.
Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, gently nudging the batter so it fills the corners. Give the pan a little shimmy to even it out. Bake until the top just starts to spring back when gently pressed, 10 to 12 minutes (the top might still feel a little tacky). Do not over-bake or the cake will crack.
Place a clean dish towel on a large wire rack. Dust the cake with 2 tablespoons of the powdered sugar. While the cake is still hot, loosen the edges from the pan, then turn out the cake onto the towel; carefully remove the parchment. Dust the top with the remaining 2 tablespoons powdered sugar.
Starting at one of the long sides, use the towel to tightly roll up the cake with the towel inside. Position the cake seam-side down and let cool about 1 hour.
To make the filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer on low speed until just smooth. Add the powdered sugar and beat until smooth, about 1 minute. Gradually beat in the heavy cream 1/4 cup at a time, making sure the mixture is smooth before adding more cream. Increase the speed to medium high and beat until stiff peaks form, 2 to 4 minutes. Add the vanilla and beat for a few more seconds, just to combine.
Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread evenly with the filling, leaving a 1/4- to 1/2-inch border on all sides. Re-roll the cake, using the towel to help you. Cover the cake roll with parchment paper and then tightly wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 2 hours.
Meanwhile, for the frosting: To a medium bowl, add the chocolate. In a saucepan, bring the heavy cream and corn syrup to a simmer, then pour over the chocolate. Let sit for 5 minutes, then whisk until smooth. Let thicken at room temperature until spreadable, about 2 hours.
Unwrap the cake on a cutting board. Cut off one-fourth of the cake on a sharp diagonal for the branch. Position the branch against the remaining cake roll on a platter. Cover the cake with the frosting using an offset spatula, then drag a fork through the frosting to create a bark-like texture. Garnish with rosemary sprigs and pomegranate seeds.
‘NCIS’ fans get to head to the southern hemisphere this fall.
CBS revealed the trailer for their first-ever international edition of NCIS on Wednesday, teasing fans for what’s to come on the upcoming NCIS: Sydney.
“What was once the far side of the world is now the most contested patch of water on the planet,” a voice says in the trailer.
“Our two nations — NCIS, AFB (Australian Federal Police) — stand shoulder to shoulder to ensure this vast swathe of ocean remains peaceful,” the voice continues.
“With rising international tensions in the Indo-Pacific, a brilliant and eclectic team of U.S. NCIS agents and the AFP are grafted into a multinational taskforce to keep naval crimes in check in the most contested patch of ocean on the planet,” the show’s press release reads.
NCIS: Sydney is the fifth series to join the NCIS franchise, joining NCIS, NCIS: Hawaii, NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: New Orleans.
CBS
“NCIS is one of the most popular series in the world and we’re thrilled to expand this franchise with a uniquely Australian twist,” Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment, said via press release. “Featuring the stunning backdrop of Australia, the new series will incorporate the high-stakes intrigue, humor and camaraderie that have kept fans captivated by the NCIS teams for over two decades.”
The series will star Olivia Swann as NCIS Special Agent Michelle Mackey and Todd Lasance asher 2IC AFP counterpart, Sergeant Jim “JD” Dempsey. The protagonists are joined by Sean Sagar as NCIS Special Agent DeShawn Jackson; Tuuli Narkle as AFP liaison officer Constable Evie Cooper; Mavournee Hazel as AFP forensic scientist Bluebird “Blue” Gleeson and William McInnes as AFP forensic pathologist Dr Roy Penrose.
NCIS: Sydney will premiere on Nov. 13 on CBS, airing just after the original NCIS.
Oscar-winning actress Linda Hunt will help LL Cool J and Chris O’Donnell fight crime on the upcoming CBS drama “NCIS: Los Angeles.”
Hunt will tackle the role of a department manager who acquires crime-busting gadgetry for O’Donnell and Cool J’s team of undercover agents, says the Associated Press. The highly anticipated “NCIS” spin-off premieres this fall on CBS.
Hunt won an Academy Award for her performance in ‘The Year of Living Dangerously,’ and has appeared on TV shows such as “The Practice” and “Without a Trace.”
A great team needs a great leader. And given that OG NCIS had it’s great leader with Gibbs, NCIS LA would also need a great leader. And who better then to be that leader then a tiny woman who is much tougher then she looks?
In June of 2009, This show made the decision that would help bring it the popularity that it got over the years! Linda had just the right amount of toughness and sweetness to be Hetty, and as a result, everything felt the way it was supposed to feel. Excellent teamwork, solid writing, amazing acting, and a growing worldwide fanbase that would stick with it throughout it’s run and give it the longevity that it got.
NCIS LA’s great leader was, and will always be Hetty. No replacements!
The upcoming Australian series “NCIS: Sydney” has found its leads and main cast.
The series, which is currently in production, will follow “the brilliant and eclectic team of U.S. NCIS Agents and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) as they are grafted into a multi-national taskforce to keep naval crimes in check in the most contested patch of ocean on the planet.”
That team will be led by NCIS Special Agent Michelle Mackey, played by Olivia Swann (“Legends of Tomorrow,” “The River Wild”), and her AFP counterpart Sergeant Jim “JD” Dempsey, played by Todd Lasance (“Without Remorse,” “Spartacus: War of the Damned”).
They are joined by: Sean Sagar (“The Covenant,” “Mea Culpa”) as NCIS Special Agent DeShawn Jackson, Tuuli Narkle (“Mystery Road: Origin,” “Bad Behaviour”) as AFP Liaison Officer Constable Evie Cooper, Mavournee Hazel (“Shantaram,” “Halifax: Retribution”) as AFP Forensic Scientist Bluebird “Blue” Gleeson, and William McInnes (“The Newsreader,” “Total Control”) as AFP Forensic Pathologist Dr. Roy Penrose.
The show will be exclusive in Australia to Paramount+ and Network 10. It marks the first international edition of the “NCIS” franchise, which has consisted for four shows to date.
“We are thrilled to be expanding the ‘NCIS’ franchise, one of our most powerful and iconic television IPs, across borders and into Australia,” said Lindsey Martin, head of international co-productions and development at CBS Studios. “It is a joy to work with this talented ‘NCIS: Sydney’ creative team, actors, and crew for our inaugural international original, and to be able to tell our exciting NCIS stories with a uniquely Australian sensibility.”
Rick Maier, head of drama for Paramount Australia and New Zealand, added “Wow. One of the best-loved franchises in the world in the hands of one of our best production companies and an outrageously talented cast and crew. ‘NCIS: Sydney’ is exciting for all of us at Paramount and we hope one of the most eagerly anticipated commissions of the year.”
“NCIS: Sydney” is produced for CBS Studios and Paramount Australia by Endemol Shine Australia, and distributed outside Australia by Paramount Global Content Distribution.
“At the heart of ‘NCIS’ are charismatic and engaging characters that audiences fall in love with,” said Endemol Shine Australia head of scripted Sara Richardson. “We have found just that with our incredible cast and the tight team they have formed. This first international iteration has all the DNA of the beloved franchise, but with a quintessentially Australian flavour.”
The original “NCIS” debuted on CBS in 2003 and aired its 20th season beginning in September 2022. There have been three other spinoffs to date: “NCIS: Los Angeles” (2009-2023), “NCIS: New Orleans” (2014-2021), and “NCIS: Hawai’i” (2021-present).
LL Cool J — fresh off wrapping his 14-year run as NCIS: Los Angeles‘ Sam Hanna, who surprisingly resurfaced on CBS 24 hours later to make a bacon-saving cameo during NCIS: Hawa’i’i‘s Season 2 finale — is joining the island-set spinoff for Season 3, as a recurring guest star.
Midway through the NCIS: Hawai’i finale, Special Agent in Charge Jane Tennant (played by Vanessa Lachey) was in the course of escaping a pair of back-from-the-dead Adrian Creel’s henchmen when a sniper shot rang out from a nearby hill, felling the second of her and Whistler’s (Tori Anderson) adversaries.
The shooter, Special Agent Sam Hanna, then rang Jane’s cell to make reference to the fact that, yes, the NCIS: LA series finale had deposited Sam (and Callen) 6,800 km away in Morocco (on a mission to save Hetty), but also to offer Tennant his future services.
CBS screenshot
But when the NCIS: Hawai’i finale later drew to a close, it appeared that Supervisory Agent John Swift (Henry Ian Cusick) will be the one to avail the Pearl Harbor office of Sam’s vast experience. For as Jane worried what the fallout would be for unexpectedly letting superspy Maggie Shaw slip away, Swift was seen on the phone talking to someone about how “it couldn’t hurt to plus-up the team” in Pearl Harbor, adding: “I have an idea who….”
LL Cool J and Lachey BTS during crossover
In a TVLine exclusive, NCIS: Hawai’i front woman Lachey says she is “so excited” to have LL Cool J (aka Todd Smith) come on board for Season 3. “This is an amazing opportunity to continue evolving the NCIS franchise,” she notes. “And what better way to do that than have Sam Hanna join the team.”
While Lachey is mum on how exactly Sam will fit into the mix (“That’s the fun part, figuring out how we all will solve cases together”), she is confident that “we will have fun on set!” With a nod to the 3-way NCIS franchise crossover that aired in January, she says, “From the moment we started filming the triple crossover, to hearing the news of Todd joining our team, it’s been laughs, love and excitement all around.”
In fact, Lachey surmises that the success of said crossover played “a big part” in whetting appetites for LL Cool J’s move to Hawai’i. “We all loved working on the triple crossover, so this transition seemed natural,” she says.
Wowzers! We knew some big moments were coming to NCIS: Los Angeles’ final episode ever, and fans got to watch it all go down as “New Beginnings Part 2” closed out the previous week’s cliffhanger and started parceling out its happy endings. As Daniela Ruah teased ahead of the finale without actually saying it, the episode delivered a city hall wedding for Callen and Anna, some huge pregnancy news for Deeks and Kensi, and an update on Linda Hunt’s long-absent Hetty. But while it was great to see some familiar faces returning to close things out in the final sequence, there was still something pretty huge missing: Ms. Henrietta Lange herself!
I know I’m not the only one who hoped NCIS: L.A. would find a way to get the fan-beloved Linda Hunt back on the show in person for its swan song, especially to see Callen tying the knot, albeit in a more subdued capacity. Even if it was just via a Zoom call or whatever, to have her physical presence around would have been aces, considering she’s been absent from the broadcast drama since the Season 13 premiere. Granted, I fully understand that it’s difficult for the actress to commit to such things, despite the showrunner’s attempts to bring her back for Season 14, whether it be due to physical ailments or other issues. So it’s not for nothing that the series finale DOES feature some voiceover narration from the actress, even if she wasn’t around for an in-person appearance.
What’s more, that voiceover work is what sets up the final scene, which itself sets up the idea that these characters will continue working together for years to come, as opposed to some TV finales that frustratingly pull characters apart to go off in different directions.
How NCIS: Los Angeles’ Finale Updated Hetty’s Story
Following Callen and Anna’s wedding, a mysterious courier showed up with an envelope for Chris O’Donnell’s character, whose wax seal featured some familiar initials. (Though Sam ran off to ask the guy a question, he mysteriously disappeared! Sort of.) As it turns out, even though Hetty isn’t in close contact these days, she somehow still knew about the impromptu wedding taking place, and managed to set up both the newlywed couple’s honeymoon and a new mission for the dynamic duo. Here’s what her congratulatory letter said:
Dear Agent Callen, Congratulations on your wedding. I am so very happy for you and Anna. I only wish I could have been there to celebrate such a glorious occasion with all of you. Most people think I never had a family of my own, but I beg to differ. I have been blessed with the greatest family one could ever have wished for…and so have you. As always, Hetty P.S. I have arranged for you and Anna to have my place in Mykanos for your honeymoon. Stay as long as you like.
I’m sure Callen and Anna were more than excited about the concept of having a sweet ass spot in Greece to go celebrate their nuptials without job stress to worry about. Though they better hope Anna’s dad doesn’t find out its location, lest he try and take a pair of dates out there, with one of them possibly being Deeks’ mom.
The envelope also contained some plane tickets and a secondary note that didn’t even let Callen soak in the post-wedding bliss before having him wonder about his next task around the world. Here’s what her second message said, sans voiceover.
I’ve also sent along two plane tickets to for you and Sam in the event that you may have a couple days beforehand to help me with a small side project.
Naturally, the episode ended with Sam and Callen making that trip to Morocco to see what the side project was, only to touch base again with a trio of familiar faces.
NCIS: Los Angeles’s Series Finale Brought Back Nate, Sabatino, And Nell
For the briefest of moments, it seemed like the CBS drama was actually going to deliver a big Linda Hunt appearance whenever LL Cool J and Chris O’Donnell’s characters showed up in Morocco. (Even though it seemed patently ridiculous for Callen to “recognize” Hetty from behind.) Instead, though, he found Renée Felice Smith’s Nell, who was there to bring the pair into their next adventure. Smith left NCIS: Los Angeles in the Season 12 finale, which also happened to include one of Hunt’s final appearances.
And lo and behold, that adventure happened to also include returns from Erik Palladino, marking his 21st appearance as Vostanik Sabatino, and Peter Cambor’s Nate Getz. Neither was super-duper surprising to see here, as Sabatino showed up once already this season, for Episode 1411, while Nate appeared in two Season 13 episodes, which where his first since Season 8. Still, it’s always great to see them, and they had a bright and bushy-eyed new recruit with them that beared a not-so-coincidental resemblance to Callen himself. The circle of life, as it were.
While fans no doubt would have loved to see Barrett Foa’s Eric Beale back alongside Nell, it wasn’t meant to be. Whenever Callen asked about him, she gave this simple and on-point update:
He is giving a TED talk in Singapore.
A billionaire is gonna billionaire, amirite? Am I, though? I don’t actually know any billionaires.
While audiences won’t have any more full-length episodes of NCIS: Los Angeles to dig through, we can always hope that CBS and the applicable producers might one day figure out a way to bring some of the L.A. team into one of the other series, whether it be for another three-way crossover or for something smaller in scope. In the meantime, all 14 seasons are available to stream with a Paramount+ subscription.
For two decades, with three spin-off series and 33 seasons between them, the NCISfranchise has become one of the most expansive and memorable shows to air on television. Throughout that time, the series has garnered praise for its action, writing, and engaging storylines across multiple settings. However, the main reason that the series attained and sustained such popularity lies in the excellence of its characters and their stories. From the wit and humor of Agent DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly) to the laid-back surfer attitude of Marty Deeks (Eric Christian Olsen) to the confident leadership of Jane Tennant (Vanessa Lachey), there has been such a variety of characters and personalities that make each series feel unique and each setting vibrant. It’s the standout characters that make these series so noteworthy, with figures such as Agent Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon) defining what it means to be an NCIS agent. However, surpassing even dozens of other contenders, the best part of the franchise is the character you’d least expect: the mysterious and supremely capable Agent Hetty Lange (Linda Hunt) from NCIS: Los Angeles.
Hetty Is Unmatched in Leadership and Experience on ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’
Image via CBS
Viewers love a reliable leader — someone who can lead their team of special agents to incredible success through their distinct leadership styles. Though the underdog story is rewarding in its own right, it’s also quite satisfying watching people be the best at their profession. Hetty Lange is one of the premier examples of unfathomable professional success in the entire franchise. She serves as the Operations Manager of the NCIS branch in Los Angeles, leading the team with her wisdom, craft, and her unmatched experience and expertise.
Like countless other special agents in media, Hetty has a background shrouded in mystery and intrigue. Throughout the series, she is constantly calling in favors from all over the globe, with allusions to past adventures that likely would have filled another 20 seasons of a show itself. In the finale of NCIS: Los Angeles’ second season, the team investigates Hetty’s background and finds a resume as diverse as da Vinci and as intense as Jason Bourne. Through their findings they discover this smorgasbord of information on their operations manager: she speaks 10 languages fluently, has a Master of Fine Arts, is skilled in 3 martial art forms, won a Bronze Medal in a rifle event at the Olympics, is a published novelist, a pilot, a former film and stage actor, and has won countless awards and merits from multiple intelligence agencies. And that was all that they could identify at the time. In a franchise full of experienced and storied agents, Hetty is a living legend among comparably young upstarts still finding their places in the world of intelligence and defense.
Hetty Subverts Expectations in the ‘NCIS’ Franchise
Image via CBS
Though it’s quite easy to establish Hetty as the best among the best in NCIS, it’s her subversion of expectations that truly makes her the juggernaut that she is. Linda Hunt, the actress who portrays Hetty, was diagnosed with dwarfism and stands at a smaller stature of only 4’9. In stark contrast from the conventionally athletic appearances of most other NCIS agents, she stands out for both her shorter height and her older age. However, neither have been an obstacle for her character — all the other characters in the series treat her with utmost respect and, at many times, are intimidated by her mere presence. Hunt portrays Hetty with such gravity that she commands attention whenever she is in a scene.
Unlike other agents in the franchise, Hetty remained predominantly out of action due to her older age. But in the same way that her slighter physique did not hold her back from earning and holding respect, it does not hinder her effectiveness to the mission. As mentioned before, Hetty has built up a fortune of experience and connections. Countless times throughout the series, it is through her contacts and information network that the agents are able to successfully complete her mission. When their backs are against the wall, it often takes just a call from Hetty to provide an ample solution. Though Hetty had already checked off all the requirements for being a badass special agent, she continuously adds to her resume of success with each season of the series. Even when Hetty steps down from her role as Operations Manager to handle an undisclosed long-term mission in Syria, she remains an integral part of the LA-based team. Her infrequent calls to Los Angeles are treated like a hero’s return, often accompanied by vital words of wisdom or a called-in favor that rectifies an obstacle the team is facing. When Marty Deeks is unable to officially become an NCIS agent, it’s Hetty who calls in and gets him a spot in official training. Whenever G. Callen (Chris O’Donnell), Nell (Renée Felice Smith), or any of the agents seem to need some sage guidance, it is still Hetty who provides the needed wisdom to steer them in the right direction. Hetty Lange is simultaneously the peak of what viewers want in a special agent and the premier example of subverting expectations. NCIS: Los Angeles is the most successful spin-off from the original series, and Hetty plays an irreplaceable role in the show’s excellence.
The NCIS franchise has grown to become one of television’s most notable families with so many charming characters and personalities that have captured viewers hearts for 20 years. While everyone is bound to have their favorites, it is hard to argue about the narrative impact and importance of Hetty Lange. Her subversion of standard expectations of a special agent is made even more impressive by her stalwart resilience and wise leadership. Even among some of the best that cop procedurals have to offer, Hetty stands at a point even higher than the rest. As NCIS: Los Angeles nears its climactic conclusion, it’s the best time to look back and appreciate Hunt’s phenomenal work as the most special agent, Hetty Lange.
I’ve had a lot of favorite NCIS LA episodes over the years. But the greatest 1 ever, not just to me but for a vast majority of fans worldwide, is the 1 that aired today back in 2019:
Season 10’s Till Death do us Part.
It was a perfect combination of everything this show does best: Action with comedy, deep moments, and even had the all time greatest wedding crashing scene:
Everyone basically got what they all wanted from this episode: Kensi and Deeks got married, Hetty came back, everyone was together and happy.
(And now that I say all this, I’m now suddenly wishing that Callen’s upcoming wedding is lovely as well, and provides some sweet Hetty content!).
